Tag Archives: Leadership

A thought came to mind recently of the term “One and Done”. Knowing that I had heard the term before but unsure of its actual meaning. I proceeded to look it up to find the following; One and Done is the rule effectively mandated that players spend at least one year in college. That High school players who would otherwise have jumped directly into the NBA were required instead to play in college for a year before leaving and entering the draft……….

Although there are many arguments either for or against the rule, I have chosen to delve in a bit deeper on this rule and blog on what most interests me. Of course, if you have an opposing view be sure to share it in the comment section but be kind about it.

Both my work and personal experience with young people leads me to believe that “One and Done” clearly allows time and space for necessary development. That development which has happened physically allows for maturation socially, emotionally, and in cognitive development.

Many would argue that physically these players/individuals already possess the skillset to play professionally and I do agree. However, with the inept ability to manage the social/emotional implications there’s increased risk of – crash and burn. Research shows that an 18 year-old makes far riskier/ impulsive decisions in an attempt to plan and reach a goal. More so than someone in their mid-20s. This is due in part to lack of experience, but primarily to an underdeveloped brain. The brain’s reward system tends to reach a high level of activation during puberty, then gradually drifts back to normal activation when a person reaches roughly the age of 25. This concept, we also see in the actions of the car insurance industry where higher premiums are charged for drivers under 25, who are believed to be immature and inexperience at operating a vehicle and prone to accidents.

I would also like to interject that sports and insurance are not the only relatable experiences here. Relationships, Careers, Finances, and Spirituality are also relevant. Because we don’t mature in all aspects of life on an even keel, it is common to see someone physically mature and emotionally bankrupt, or spiritually adequate and socially starved. How about in business, where managers are great at managing projects but inadequate at managing people? Somewhere there is a gap and a need for interventions that help bring qualitative balance.

What is even more interesting is that this rule is up for review and there is a likely chance that it will no longer apply come 2020. If that is the case and the rule does go away, my hope is that that all parties are proactive in developing a culture to lessen the impact of this (new) environment on these young but exemplary athletes. A culture ready and able to recognize potential problems and provide early interventions that can result in better outcomes.

I end by saying growth is inevitable but balanced growth is not. Although development is a continuous process, it is one that occurs in a series of qualitatively different steps. Therefore, there will always be a need for research, for studies, for subjects and samples to help us as humans to reach our true potential.

The following topic “Hard on the Issue Soft on your people” in accordance with the individual, the family, the business environment and in conclusion, from a life’s perspective;

The Individual

Being hard on the issue and soft on your people is easier said than done. Because we live on the cusp of individualism and are so inundated with everyday tasks, we tend to be surface dwellers. Anything that requires dealing with the issue or its root cause is simply not at all appealing. Instead we resort to the opposite, far from an empathetic heart. After all, the actual Issue isn’t a living, breathing, tangible thing but another person on whom we can project our emotions on is.In the long run the lack of willingness to address such issues (effectively) whether personal or publicly manifests in a mountain of prejudice and thus an un-fulfilled life.

The Family

There are so many instances within the family for which we can measure the impacts of being hard on the issue and soft on people. One instance that comes to mind is that of the training and development of children. In order to raise healthy well balanced children, a parent or caretaker should implement consistent discipline techniques along with setting clear unyielding boundaries. The idea is to promote the lack of tolerance for destructive behavior/issues while maintaining a show off empathy. During this process it enforces the no tolerance rule but emphasizes love and support. Thus promoting healthy living, healthy relationships, and healthy adult life. The family nucleus is indeed important and furthermore how we address Issues within the family. It can mean the difference between a functional and dysfunctional family in the next generation.

The Business

For many employees, managers, or business owners “be hard on the Issue and soft on your people” has already made its way into their managerial /staff discussions. We see this change echoed via the cultures nurtured in the corporate arena today. Through long hard transitions, reductions and workforce turnovers many corporations are promoting this concept. By doing so it promotes a team environment, fosters better work relations and motivates employees to not only be productive 90% of their day but develops loyalty to the business at hand. The trickle down affect proves that Leaders and Managers who focus more on the issues at hand while being soft/empathizing with their staff gain more respect. The overall result is a win-win for all and the bottom line results, in happy client, happy customer.

Life’s Perspective

We live in a world where the importance of people skills transcends every element of daily living. From our own individual perceptions, to familial and corporate experiences, relationships are constantly either being built up or torn down. What we fail to put in proper perspective is the fact that human error plays a huge role in Life.

When proper perspective is applied then there should be emphasis placed both on addressing the issues at hand while too empathizing with the person. When handled with such a cohesive outlook, we promote a healthy balance and relationships are instead strengthened and a sense of mutual respect/bond developed. Then will we see a better developed individuals, a healthier family unit and stronger, longer lasting businesses.